Can You Get Social Security Disability For A Mental Illness?
Social security disability is not a benefit offered to people who have retired, but those who are still within working age and have a disability. You must be able to prove your disability keeps you from working a full-time job, which can be tricky. There are many types of disabilities that qualify for social security disability, with mental illnesses being some of the most difficult. Here is more information about applying for and being approved for social security disability for a mental illness.
Types of Mental Illnesses
There are many types of mental illnesses that could potentially keep you from sustaining regular employment. The common ones include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, intellectual disabilities, Alzheimer's, and personality disorders. More recently, people have gotten benefits for other mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorder, panic attack disorder, and depression. While it is one of the most difficult to be approved for, you may also get it if you struggle with substance abuse. There are some other guidelines for substance abuse, including seeing a doctor regularly and working to get help.
How to Get Social Security Disability
In order to get social security disability for a mental illness, you have to provide proof that your illness keeps you from getting or sustaining a full-time job. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. This is the ability to work full-time hours or for full-time pay for an extended period of time. They usually calculate it based on working a year or more in the same occupation. If you are unable to do this because of your mental illness, you may be approved for social security benefits.
Limitations From Your Mental Illness
After filing out your application for benefits, the SSA will ask for proof of your functional limitations. This is how your mental illness affects your ability to perform basic tasks in order to keep a full-time job. This includes social issues like not getting along with others, not being able to perform basic daily living tasks on your own, and having problems with concentration, memory, or pace.
Obtaining Medical Records
The Social Security Administration is not just going to take your word for it; you need solid medical records to show your history with your mental illness. This includes a visit to your primary doctor and prescription medications for your illness, hospitalizations, emergency room visits as they pertain to your illness, and visits to a counselor, therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
If you have provided the necessary documentation and were denied benefits, seek legal help from a disability attorney like Craig H Kline Law Office. They will look at your denial letter and help you contact the SSA in hopes that you can amend the denial.